Netherlands to launch national heat plan Monday as temperatures soar above 30 degrees
The National Heat Plan (Nationaal Hitteplan) will take effect for the entire Netherlands starting Monday at 10 a.m., the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) announced Sunday. Temperatures are expected to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday, reaching well above 30 degrees, Het Parool reports. The plan is already in effect for the provinces of Limburg and Noord-Brabant, following the RIVM's decision last Friday.
The heat plan serves as a warning system to alert caregivers and healthcare professionals about ongoing high temperatures. According to the RIVM, “This helps raise awareness and encourages extra attention for the people they care for. They can take this into account when supporting and interacting with vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and young children.”
The last time the National Heat Plan was activated was from August 10 to 16, 2022, a spokesperson for the RIVM said. A key criterion for activation is sustained heat lasting four days or more, with warm nighttime temperatures.
The RIVM stressed that the absence of the heat plan in recent years does not mean there were no hot periods. The plan only applies when heat persists for multiple days and nights remain warm.
The most vulnerable group, according to the RIVM, is people aged 75 and older. They have more difficulty regulating their body temperature and often feel less thirsty. Other at-risk groups include people with chronic illnesses, those living in social isolation, homeless individuals, and young children. These groups face higher risks of severe health problems, such as dehydration and heatstroke, if precautions are not taken.
The RIVM urges people to pay extra attention to those they care for or vulnerable individuals in their environment during the heatwave. Simple actions like placing a glass or pitcher of water nearby and helping keep homes cool by closing curtains can help mitigate risks.
In Amsterdam, additional measures will be implemented Monday and Tuesday to protect homeless and unstably housed people from the high temperatures, the city government announced. Day shelters will have extended opening hours, providing shade, water, and sunscreen.
The shelters will be open at minimum from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. This new Zomer-Hitte-Regeling (Summer Heat Regulation) is in effect for the first time. If necessary, the measures could be extended for several days. Outreach workers will also reportedly provide information on the health risks of chronic illnesses and substance use combined with extreme heat to homeless individuals on the streets.
